Enfield Council, Residents Discuss Charter Revision Proposals

ENFIELD — At a public hearing Monday on recommendations by the charter revision commission, residents and town council members focused on two concerns: a public vote on the town budget and resident's ability to submit petitions.

Of the 13 residents who expressed views during the hearing, four opposed the idea of scheduling an annual townwide budget referendum, four were in favor and five spoke about the town's process for submitting a petition to bring issues to a vote.

The charter revision committee has proposed a change to the number of required signatures for petitions but did not propose changes to the budget adoption process. Currently, the town council sets the budget.

The idea of a mandatory public vote on budgets has been raised during public hearings on the proposed charter changes.

Resident Walter Kruzel, speaking at Monday's hearing, noted that the town "votes on the budget every two years" when they elect town council members and felt there is no need for a referendum.

Deputy Mayor Bill Lee agreed, saying: "A referendum does not replace running good people for office who have a vision that can be communicated and acted on."

But council member Joe Bosco said he thought a referendum was a good idea because there's no guarantee who will be on council in the future and how they will spend money.

Council member William "Red" Edgar said: "The people have a right to vote on the budget" but added that the way a vote would be conducted would need to be investigated.

Mayor Scott Kaupin said he hasn't made up his mind on the issue, but that he has come from being an "ardent no" to understanding the arguments of advocates for budget referendums.

In addition to discussing a budget vote, council members and residents discussed the recommendations for submitting petitions.

The charter commission has proposed changing the number signatures required on petitions. It has recommended changing the requirement from 10 percent of registered voters eligible to vote in the last presidential election to 10 percent of those who actually voted in the last presidential election.

Town Attorney Kevin Deneen said it is important to understand that once a rule or regulation is changed by a petition initiative, it can only be changed by a petition initiative. The town council can't override decisions made by citizens' petitions.

Council members agreed that the charter's language regarding petitions should be made more clear.

Councilman Greg Stokes said there should be a "neutral body" to advise the public on petitions before they begin collecting signatures.

The town council is next schedued to convene June 30 for a special meeting.